Display for rear lamp of a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle includes a rear lamp display configured to display images as well as perform the usual functions of a rear lamp assembly. The rear lamp display may include a light source and a digital mirror device. Obstacles detected may trigger display of a static or animated representation of the obstacle in the rear lamp display. Detection of a turn may invoke display of a direction of the turn as well as text indicating a target of the turn. Detection of an intervention of a vehicle system to maintain stability, a warning may be displayed that indicates potentially hazardous road conditions. Where opening of a door is detected, a representation of an open or opening door may be displayed. Where a following vehicle is detected, the speed limit or cruising speed of the vehicle may be displayed. Objects left in the vehicle may trigger display of an alert.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to signaling to other drivers using a vehicle.

Background of the Invention

In current vehicles, a rear lamp assembly typically includes a positionlamp, stop lamp, turn indicator, and reverse lamp. The position lampshows an outline of the vehicle with low intensity red light emittedfrom the assembly. The stop lamp shows an intent to stop when thevehicle brake pedal is pushed with higher intensity red light emittedthan the position lamp. The turn indicator provides amber or red flashin response to a driver activating it. The reverse lamp provides a whiteillumination light source when the vehicle is reversing.

The system and methods disclosed herein provide an improvedfunctionality for a rear lamp assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be describedand explained with additional specificity and detail through use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram of a system for implementingembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle suitable forimplementing embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a rear lamp display system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an example computing devicesuitable for implementing methods in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 3A is a process flow diagram of a method for communicating detectedobstacles using a rear lamp display in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3B is an example illustrating of a rear lamp communicating adetected obstacle in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4A is a process flow diagram of a method for communicating roadconditions using a rear lamp display in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4B is illustrates a rear lamp communicating a road condition inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a process flow diagram of a method for communicating openingof a door using a rear lamp display in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear lamp communicating opening of a door inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a process flow diagram of a method for communicating a turnusing a rear lamp display in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear lamp communicating a turn in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a process flow diagram of a method for communicating avehicle speed using a rear lamp display in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 7B illustrates a rear lamp communicating a vehicle speed inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a process flow diagram of a method for communicating presenceof an object using a rear lamp display in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear lamp communicating presence of an object inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a vehicle 100 (see FIG. 1B) may house acontroller 102. The vehicle 100 may include any vehicle known in theart. The vehicle 100 may have all of the structures and features of anyvehicle known in the art including, wheels, a drive train coupled to thewheels, an engine coupled to the drive train, a steering system, abraking system, and other systems known in the art to be included in avehicle.

As discussed in greater detail herein, the controller 102 may performautonomous navigation and collision avoidance. The controller 102 mayreceive one or more outputs from one or more exterior sensors 104. Forexample, one or more cameras 106 a may be mounted to the vehicle 100 andoutput image streams received to the controller 102. The controller 102may receive one or more audio streams from one or more microphones 106b. For example, one or more microphones 106 b or microphone arrays 106 bmay be mounted to the vehicle 100 and output audio streams to thecontroller 102. The microphones 106 b may include directionalmicrophones having a sensitivity that varies with angle.

The exterior sensors 104 may include sensors such as RADAR (RadioDetection and Ranging) 106 c, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 106 d,SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) 106 e, and the like.

The exterior sensors 104 may further global positioning system (GPS)receiver 106 f for determining a location of the vehicle. Informationmay also be received by the controller from applications 106 g executingon a mobile device of the user or an in-vehicle infotainment system.

The controller 102 may execute an autonomous operation module 108 thatreceives the outputs of the exterior sensors 104. The autonomousoperation module 108 may include an obstacle identification module 110a, a collision prediction module 110 b, and a decision module 110 c. Theobstacle identification module 110 a analyzes the outputs of theexterior sensors and identifies potential obstacles, including people,animals, vehicles, buildings, curbs, and other objects and structures.In particular, the obstacle identification module 110 a may identifyvehicle images in the sensor outputs.

The collision prediction module 110 b predicts which obstacle images arelikely to collide with the vehicle 100 based on its current trajectoryor current intended path. The collision prediction module 110 b mayevaluate the likelihood of collision with objects identified by theobstacle identification module 110 a. The decision module 110 c may makea decision to stop, accelerate, turn, etc. in order to avoid obstacles.The manner in which the collision prediction module 110 b predictspotential collisions and the manner in which the decision module 110 ctakes action to avoid potential collisions may be according to anymethod or system known in the art of autonomous vehicles.

The decision module 110 c may control the trajectory of the vehicle byactuating one or more actuators 112 controlling the direction and speedof the vehicle 100. For example, the actuators 112 may include asteering actuator 114 a, an accelerator actuator 114 b, and a brakeactuator 114 c. The configuration of the actuators 114 a-114 c may beaccording to any implementation of such actuators known in the art ofautonomous vehicles.

In embodiments disclosed herein, the autonomous operation module 108 mayperform autonomous navigation to a specified location, autonomousparking, and other automated driving activities known in the art.

The vehicle 100 may include one or more interior sensors 116 coupled tothe controller 102. The interior sensors may include a camera 118 a,ultrasonic sensor 118 b, door sensor 118 c, or any other sensor fordetecting a state of a vehicle or interior of a vehicle known in theart.

The controller 102 may further be coupled to a lamp display module 120,or implement a lamp display module 120. In particular, the lamp displaymodule 120 may be a separate component programmed to performed thefunctions described herein or may be software or hardwired functionalityof the controller 102.

The lamp display module 120 is coupled to a rear lamp display 122. Asshown in FIG. 1B, the rear lamp display 122 may be positioned on therear of the vehicle 100, such as in the typical position of the rearlamp assembly of a vehicle. The rear lamp display 122 may perform someor all of the functions of a rear lamp assembly, including those of theposition lamp, stop lamp, turn indicator, and/or reverse lamp.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the rear lamp display 122 may include a lightsource 124. The light source may be a light emitting diode (LED),fluorescent lamp, incandescent lamp, halogen lamp, or any other lightsource known in the art. As described in greater detail below, the rearlamp display 122 may display images. Accordingly, the light source 124may include one or more lenses for collimating light of the light sourceor otherwise focusing light of the light source 124.

In the illustrated embodiment, light from the light source 124 isprojected onto a digital mirror device (DMD) 126. Alternatively, thelight source 124 may project through an LCD screen. In still otherembodiments, light source 124 may be a LED or laser projector such thata DMD 126 is not needed. The light source 124 and DMD 126 may bereplaced with or implement any digital projector technology known in theart.

In the illustrated embodiment, light incident on the DMD 126 may bedirected by the DMD 126 to either a window 128 or a heat sink 130. Thewindow 128 may include transparent plastic. The plastic may be frostedor otherwise treated to scatter light incident thereon in order to forman image from light rays incident on the window 128 from the DMD 126. Insome embodiments, a lens may be positioned between the DMD 126 and thewindow 128 in order to focus light from the DMD 126 onto the window 128and form an image.

Light that is not directed by the DMD 126 to the window 128 may bedirected at a heat sink 130. The heat sink 130 may be treated with anon-reflective film or texturing. The heat sink 130 may be made of aconductive metal such as steel, aluminum, brass, or other metal. Theheat sink 130 may include fins to facilitate transfer of heat tosurrounding air due to the energy of light incident on the heat sink130. The heat sink 130 may include a fan, refrigeration system, or otherstructures to promote cooling.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device 200.Computing device 200 may be used to perform various procedures, such asthose discussed herein. The controller 102 may have some or all of theattributes of the computing device 200. Where the lamp display module120 is a separate component, it may also have some or all of theattributes of the computing device 200.

Computing device 200 includes one or more processor(s) 202, one or morememory device(s) 204, one or more interface(s) 206, one or more massstorage device(s) 208, one or more Input/Output (I/O) device(s) 210, anda display device 230 all of which are coupled to a bus 212. Processor(s)202 include one or more processors or controllers that executeinstructions stored in memory device(s) 204 and/or mass storagedevice(s) 208. Processor(s) 202 may also include various types ofcomputer-readable media, such as cache memory.

Memory device(s) 204 include various computer-readable media, such asvolatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) 214) and/ornonvolatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) 216). Memory device(s)204 may also include rewritable ROM, such as Flash memory.

Mass storage device(s) 208 include various computer readable media, suchas magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid-state memory(e.g., Flash memory), and so forth. As shown in FIG. 2, a particularmass storage device is a hard disk drive 224. Various drives may also beincluded in mass storage device(s) 208 to enable reading from and/orwriting to the various computer readable media. Mass storage device(s)208 include removable media 226 and/or non-removable media.

I/O device(s) 210 include various devices that allow data and/or otherinformation to be input to or retrieved from computing device 200.Example I/O device(s) 210 include cursor control devices, keyboards,keypads, microphones, monitors or other display devices, speakers,printers, network interface cards, modems, lenses, CCDs or other imagecapture devices, and the like.

Display device 230 includes any type of device capable of displayinginformation to one or more users of computing device 200. Examples ofdisplay device 230 include a monitor, display terminal, video projectiondevice, and the like.

Interface(s) 206 include various interfaces that allow computing device200 to interact with other systems, devices, or computing environments.Example interface(s) 206 include any number of different networkinterfaces 220, such as interfaces to local area networks (LANs), widearea networks (WANs), wireless networks, and the Internet. Otherinterface(s) include user interface 218 and peripheral device interface222. The interface(s) 206 may also include one or more peripheralinterfaces such as interfaces for printers, pointing devices (mice,track pad, etc.), keyboards, and the like.

Bus 212 allows processor(s) 202, memory device(s) 204, interface(s) 206,mass storage device(s) 208, I/O device(s) 210, and display device 230 tocommunicate with one another, as well as other devices or componentscoupled to bus 212. Bus 212 represents one or more of several types ofbus structures, such as a system bus, PCI bus, IEEE 1394 bus, USB bus,and so forth.

For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable programcomponents are shown herein as discrete blocks, although it isunderstood that such programs and components may reside at various timesin different storage components of computing device 200, and areexecuted by processor(s) 202. Alternatively, the systems and proceduresdescribed herein can be implemented in hardware, or a combination ofhardware, software, and/or firmware. For example, one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed tocarry out one or more of the systems and procedures described herein.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the illustrated method 300 may be executed by thecontroller 102 and lamp display module 120. The method 300 may includereceiving 302 sensor output, such as by receiving the outputs of one ormore exterior sensors 104. The method 300 may include identifying 304obstacles in the outputs of the one or more exterior sensors 104. Step304 may include any technique for obstacle detection using electronicsensors known in the art.

The method 300 may further include performing 306 autonomous obstacleavoidance with respect to obstacles identified at step 304. This mayinclude activating some or all of the actuators 112 in order to changethe speed and/or trajectory of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, thelamp display module 120 is include in a non-autonomous vehicle or in avehicle that is not currently operating autonomously. Accordingly, step306 may be omitted in such embodiments or be replaced with generation ofa driver-perceptible alert.

The method 300 may further include sending 308 one or more obstaclevectors to the lamp display module 120. Each obstacle vector may includeone or more items of information describing an obstacle detected at step304. For example, the obstacle vector may include a classification ofthe obstacle (pedestrian, vehicle, cyclist, animal, etc.), a location, adirection of movement, or other information. The manner in which theobstacle is classified may include any classification technique known inthe art of autonomous vehicle operation or electronic detection, e.g.RADAR, LIDAR, etc. As noted above, the lamp display module 120 may beimplemented by the controller 102 or by a separate component.

The lamp display module 120 may then render 310 a representation of someor all of the obstacle vectors in response to receiving the vectors. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3B, where an obstacle is classified as apedestrian, the illustrated image may be shown on the rear lamp display122. In some embodiments, the image may be animated and show thepedestrian moving in a direction of movement indicated by the obstaclevector. In a similar manner, static or animated symbols representing avehicle, animal, cyclist, may be displayed in correspondence with theclassification indicated in the obstacle vector. Where multipleobstacles are simultaneously detected, multiple representations may bedisplayed simultaneously.

When implemented by the controller 102, step 308 may be omitted and thecontroller 102 may respond to detection of an obstacle by invokingrendering 310 of a symbol corresponding to the classification of theobstacle, possibly with animation corresponding to the direction ofmovement of the obstacle.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, in some embodiments, the rear lamp display 122may be used to display warnings regarding hazardous road conditions. Forexample, a method 400 may be executed by the controller 102 and lampdisplay module 120. The method 400 may include detecting 402 a stabilitycontrol intervention. This may include any automated action to maintainstability of the vehicle, such as actions that may be taken by ananti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC),traction control system (TCS), or other system. The actions taken mayinclude modulating braking force on one or more wheels, reducing power,controlling torque distribution among two or four wheels, or the like.Such actions may be taken based on outputs of various sensors known inthe art of ABS, ESC, TCS, and the like, such as wheel speed sensors thatdetect slipping of one wheel, accelerometers that detect slipping orrolling, or the like. If an intervention is detected at step 402, thensome or all of steps 404-408 may be performed.

In some embodiments, the method 400 may include classifying 404 a roadcondition that caused the intervention, e.g., wheel slip may indicateslippery roads, rolling may indicate a sharp turn, etc. The method 400may include sending 406 a warning to the lamp display module 120 inresponse to detecting 402 the intervention. The lamp display module 120may then render 408 a representation of the warning on the rear lampdisplay 122 in response to receiving the warning. Alternatively, step406 may be omitted and step 408 may be performed by the controller 102in response to the detection of step 402.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, where the intervention is caused byslipping of one or more wheels, the illustrated symbol may be shown toindicate that the road is slippery. Where a sharp turn is the cause ofthe intervention, then an image of a sharp turn may be shown. In someembodiments, warnings may be sent based on detected slipping or rollingin the absence of an intervention, i.e. where the slipping or rollingwas insufficient to trigger an intervention but may still be of concern.

Referring to FIG. 5A, in some embodiments the illustrated method 500 maybe executed by the controller 102 and lamp display module 120 in orderto alert cyclist of a door opening. The method 500 may include detecting502 opening of a door or an action that normally precedes opening of adoor, e.g. turning off the engine following parking, unlocking of thedoor, contact of a driver or passenger with a door handle, etc. Step 502may include receiving the output of one or more interior sensors 116,such as a door sensor 118 c.

In response to the detection of step 502, the controller 102 may send504 a door open warning to the lamp display module 120, which thenrenders 506 a door open warning on the rear lamp display 122.Alternatively, the controller 102 may invoke the rendering of step 506directly. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, a symbol showing a vehiclewith its doors open may be displayed on the rear lamp display 122. Insome embodiments, step 506 includes rendering an animation showing adoor opening. In some embodiments, the door shown as open or opening maycorrespond to the door that is detected to be opening or about to openat step 502.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the controller 102 and lamp display module 120 mayexecute the illustrated method 600. The method 600 may include detecting602 an impending turn. This may include detecting actual turning of thevehicle by one or more of detecting turning of the steering wheel orsteering column, detecting change in road wheel angle, detecting adifference in the speed of road wheels on different sides of thevehicle, or detecting any other change in the steering system that isconsistent with execution of a turn. Step 602 may include detecting adriver action indicating an intent to execute a turn, such as turning ona turn signal indicator. Step 602 may include detecting a turn innavigation data being used by a human driver or as the intendedtrajectory for an autonomous vehicle. For example, step 602 may includedetecting that a turn will occur within the next N (e.g. 10) secondsbased on the current location of the vehicle, the vehicle's speed, andthe location of the turn in the navigation data, such as from anavigation application 106 g executing on a mobile device. Step 602 mayinclude detecting a decision by the control module 102 to execute a turnaccording to navigation or collision avoidance logic.

In response to detecting the turn, the method 600 may include performingsome or all of steps 604-608. For example, step 604 may includedetermining 604 a target for the turn. Where the turn is detected basedon navigation data, the target of the turn is the identifier of theroad, business, address, or the like indicated in the navigation data.Where the turn is detected based on a driver action or a state of thesteering system, the turn may be determined using map data and a currentposition of the vehicle determined using the GPS receiver 106 f or asreceived from an application 106 g executing on a mobile device. Forexample, where a left turn is detected based on a driver action (leftturn signal activated or steering system state indicating a left turn),then a next road, exit, business, or other entity, located to the leftof the vehicle may be determined to be the target. A right turn may beprocessed in an analogous manner.

The method 600 may include transmitting 606 a notification to the lampdisplay module 120 that indicates both the direction of the turn and thetarget of the turn. The lamp display module 120 may the then cause therear lamp display 124 to render 608 the direction and target. Where thefunctions of the lamp display module 120 are performed by the controller102, step 606 is omitted and the controller 102 causes the rear lampdisplay 124 to display the direction and target. FIG. 6B illustrates anexample output of the lamp display module that includes an arrowindicating a right turn and a target of the turn: “I-94.”

Referring to FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, the controller 102 and lampdisplay module 120 may perform the illustrated method 700. The method700 may include one or both of setting 702 a cruising speed of thevehicle and detecting a sign indicating a posted speed limit for a roadon which the vehicle is traveling. Step 702 may include receiving a setspeed from the driver using a cruise control system or setting the speedby an autonomous vehicle based on outputs of the exterior sensors 104and a known speed limit. Step 702 may include performing traffic signrecognition (TSR) in order to identify a sign including the posted speedlimit.

The method 700 may include detecting 704 a following vehicle, such as afollowing vehicle within some distance, e.g. 50 feet or some otherdistance which may be a function of speed. For example, the distancewithin which a following vehicle is determined proximate may increase asa function of the speed of the vehicle 100. Detecting 704 a followingvehicle may include detecting the following vehicle and its locationusing exterior sensors 104 using any detection technique known in theart.

The method 70 may further include sending 706 the cruising speed to thelamp display module 120. Where step 702 includes detecting a speed limitsign, step 706 may include transmitting the speed limit as determinedfrom the sign. The lamp display module 120 then causes the rear lampdisplay 122 to render 708 the speed received at step 706, as shown inFIG. 7B. Where the controller 102 implements the functionality of thelamp display module 120, step 706 may be omitted and the controller 102may cause the rear lamp display 122 to render the cruising speed orspeed limit.

In some implementations, the rear lamp display constantly displays thecurrent speed of the vehicle 100 or the current speed limit regardlessof whether there is a following vehicle, unless superseded by a need todisplay other information, such as according to FIGS. 3A to 6B.

In some embodiments, the cruising speed or speed limit is additionallyor alternatively sent to the following vehicle in other ways. Forexample, the light emitted from the rear lamp display 122 may bemodulated to communicate data, i.e. a binary code. The following vehiclemay then detect and decode this modulation and display the datacontained in it in a heads up display (HUD), infotainment display, aninstrument cluster, or elsewhere. In other embodiments, the speed istransmitted to the following vehicle using a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)wireless communication protocol.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the controller 102 and lamp display module 120 mayexecute the illustrated method 800. The method 800 may include detecting802 departure of the driver from the vehicle. Departure may be inferredfrom some or all of the driver turning of the vehicle's engine, thedriver opening the driver's door, an electronic key fob being removedfrom within the vehicle, detecting an absence of weight on the driver'sseat, optically detecting that the driver's seat is unoccupied,ultrasonically detecting that the driver's seat is unoccupied, detectingheat signature in the driver's seat that indicates absent of the driver,or any other means for detecting departure of a driver known in the art.

The method 800 may further include receiving 804 outputs of one or moreinterior sensors 116. This may include receiving outputs from interiorcameras 118 a, ultrasonic sensors 118 b, RFID (radio frequencyidentifier) sensors, an output of a BLUETOOTH or other wirelessreceiver, or the like.

The method 800 may further include evaluating 806 whether the outputs ofthe interior sensors indicate presence of an object in the interior ofthe vehicle. In particular, step 806 may include evaluating whether theoutputs of the interior sensors 116 indicate presence of an importantobject such as a cell phone, wallet, purse, or other item of value. Forexample, an output of a camera 118 a may be processed to identify andclassify objects in the output using any image analysis technique knownin the art. Where the output is found 806 to include an image of anobject classified as a wallet, cellphone, purse, or other objectdesignated to be important enough to trigger an alert, then steps 808and 810 may be executed.

For an RFID or BLUETOOTH receiver, step 806 may include detectingwhether an RFID tag is detected or whether a device is still connectedwith the BLUETOOTH receiver, respectively.

Step 808 may include sending an object alert to the lamp display module120. The object alert may include a classification of the objectidentified at step 806 (cellphone, wallet, purse, etc.). In response,the lamp display module 120 causes the rear lamp display 122 totemporarily (e.g. for 20 seconds) render 810 a representation of theobject in the rear lamp display 122. In embodiments where the controller102 performs the function of the lamp display module 120, the controller102 invokes performance of step 810 and step 808 may be omitted. Asshown in FIG. 8B, in one example, where keys are left, the rear lampdisplay may be caused to temporarily display a rendering of a key and avehicle as shown. In some embodiments, step 810 may be accompanied byone or more other perceptible alerts, such as an audible alarm, one ormore flashing lights, or the like.

In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way ofillustration specific implementations in which the disclosure may bepracticed. It is understood that other implementations may be utilizedand structural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. References in the specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicatethat the embodiment described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described.

Implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed hereinmay comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computerincluding computer hardware, such as, for example, one or moreprocessors and system memory, as discussed herein. Implementationswithin the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical andother computer-readable media for carrying or storingcomputer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Suchcomputer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer system.Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions arecomputer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carrycomputer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way ofexample, and not limitation, implementations of the disclosure cancomprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readablemedia: computer storage media (devices) and transmission media.

Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM,solid state drives (“SSDs”) (e.g., based on RAM), Flash memory,phase-change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to store desired program code means inthe form of computer-executable instructions or data structures andwhich can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed hereinmay communicate over a computer network. A “network” is defined as oneor more data links that enable the transport of electronic data betweencomputer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views theconnection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include anetwork and/or data links, which can be used to carry desired programcode means in the form of computer-executable instructions or datastructures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be includedwithin the scope of computer-readable media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing deviceto perform a certain function or group of functions. The computerexecutable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediateformat instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the described features or acts described above.Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example formsof implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may bepracticed in network computing environments with many types of computersystem configurations, including, an in-dash vehicle computer, personalcomputers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors,hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches,various storage devices, and the like. The disclosure may also bepracticed in distributed system environments where local and remotecomputer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links,wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless datalinks) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed systemenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Further, where appropriate, functions described herein can be performedin one or more of: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, oranalog components. For example, one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed to carry out one or moreof the systems and procedures described herein. Certain terms are usedthroughout the description and claims to refer to particular systemcomponents. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, components may bereferred to by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components that differ in name, but not function.

It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed above maycomprise computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combinationthereof to perform at least a portion of their functions. For example, asensor may include computer code configured to be executed in one ormore processors, and may include hardware logic/electrical circuitrycontrolled by the computer code. These example devices are providedherein purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting.Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in furthertypes of devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevantart(s).

At least some embodiments of the disclosure have been directed tocomputer program products comprising such logic (e.g., in the form ofsoftware) stored on any computer useable medium. Such software, whenexecuted in one or more data processing devices, causes a device tooperate as described herein.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilledin the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not belimited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but shouldbe defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for thepurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed.Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of theaforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combinationdesired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

1. A vehicle comprising: one or more sensors; a rearward facing lampdisplay; and a controller coupled to the lamp display and one or moresensors and programmed to display a symbol on the lamp display accordingto an output of the one or more sensors.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the one or more sensors includes at least one exterior sensorincluding at least one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensorand radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor; wherein the controlleris programmed to: detect an obstacle in one or more outputs of the atleast one exterior sensor; assign a classification to the obstacle; andcause the lamp display to display a symbol corresponding to theclassification.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2, further comprising: asteering actuator, a brake actuator; and an accelerator actuator allcoupled to the controller; wherein the controller is further to activateone or more of the steering actuator, brake actuator, and theaccelerator actuator in response to detecting the obstacle in the one ormore outputs effective to avoid collision with the obstacle by thevehicle.
 4. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the controller is furtherprogrammed to: if a following vehicle is indicated by the one or moreoutputs of the at least one exterior sensor, cause the lamp display todisplay a current cruising speed of the vehicle.
 5. The vehicle of claim1, wherein the one or more sensors indicate a state of a door of thevehicle; and wherein the controller is further programmed to display asymbol indicating a door opening in the lamp display in response to anoutput of the one or more sensors indicating opening of the door.
 6. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include an interiorsensor; and wherein the controller is further programmed to display asymbol indicating presence of an object in the lamp display if an outputof the interior sensor indicates presence of the object within thevehicle.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensorsdetect at least one of turning of a steering column, a differential intire speeds on right and left sides of the vehicle, activation of a turnsignal, an autonomous decision to make a turn, an upcoming turn innavigation instructions; and wherein the controller is furtherprogrammed to, in response to an output from the one or more sensorsindicating a turn: determine a target of the turn according to map data;and display a direction of the turn and the target in the lamp display.8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors areconfigured to detect stability and traction of the vehicle; and whereinthe controller is further programmed to: if outputs of the one or moresensors indicate at least one of loss of traction and instability of thevehicle, performing an intervention, the intervention including leastone of (a) redistributing engine torque among wheels of the vehicle, (b)modulating braking of the vehicle, (c) and decreasing engine torque; andif outputs of the one or more sensors indicate at least one of loss oftraction and instability of the vehicle, cause the lamp display todisplay a warning of a hazardous road condition.
 9. The vehicle of claim1, wherein the lamp display comprises: a light source; and a digitalmicro-mirror device (DMD), the light source emitting a light onto theDMD; wherein the controller is coupled to the DMD.
 10. The vehicle ofclaim 9, wherein the lamp display further comprises a heat sink and anoutput window; and wherein the controller is programmed to cause the DMDto direct a portion of the light onto the heat sink and a portion of thelight onto the output window effective to form an image on the outputwindow.
 11. A method comprising: providing a vehicle having one or moresensors, a rearward facing lamp display, and a controller coupled to thelamp display and one or more sensors; receiving, by the controller, oneor more outputs from the one or more sensors; and in response to the oneor more outputs, displaying a symbol on the lamp display according to anoutput of the one or more sensors.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe one or more sensors includes at least one exterior sensor includingat least one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor and radiodetection and ranging (RADAR) sensor; wherein the method furthercomprises: detecting, by the controller, an obstacle in the one or moreoutputs; assigning, by the controller, a classification to the obstacle;and causing, by the controller, the lamp display to display a symbolcorresponding to the classification.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe vehicle further comprises a steering actuator, a brake actuator; andan accelerator actuator all coupled to the controller; wherein themethod further comprises activating, by the controller, one or more ofthe steering actuator, brake actuator, and the accelerator actuator inresponse to detecting the obstacle in the one or more outputs effectiveto avoid collision with the obstacle by the vehicle.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: determining, by the controller, that theone or more outputs indicate a following vehicle; and in response todetermining that the one or more outputs indicate a following vehicle,causing, by the controller, the lamp display to display a currentcruising speed of the vehicle.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein theone or more sensors detect a state of a door of the vehicle; and whereinthe method further comprises displaying, by the controller, a symbolindicating a door opening in the lamp display in response to an outputof the one or more sensors indicating opening of the door.
 16. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the one or more sensors include an interiorsensor; and wherein the method further comprises displaying, by thecontroller, a symbol indicating presence of an object in the lampdisplay if an output of the interior sensor indicates presence of theobject within the vehicle.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the oneor more sensors detect at least one of turning of a steering column, adifferential in tire speeds on right and left sides of the vehicle,activation of a turn signal, an autonomous decision to make a turn, anupcoming turn in navigation instructions; and wherein the method furthercomprises, in response to an output from the one or more sensorsindicating a turn: determining, by the controller, a target of the turnaccording to map data; and displaying, by the controller, a direction ofthe turn and the target in the lamp display.
 18. The method of claim 11,wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect stability andtraction of the vehicle; and wherein the method further comprises: inresponse to outputs of the one or more sensors indicating at least oneof loss of traction and instability of the vehicle, performing, by thecontroller an intervention, the intervention including least one of (a)redistributing engine torque among wheels of the vehicle, (b) modulatingbraking of the vehicle, (c) and decreasing engine torque; and inresponse to outputs of the one or more sensors indicating at least oneof loss of traction and instability of the vehicle, causing, by thecontroller, the lamp display to display a warning of a hazardous roadcondition.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the lamp displaycomprises: a light source; and a digital micro-mirror device (DMD), thelight source emitting a light onto the DMD; wherein the controller iscoupled to the DMD.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the lamp displayfurther comprises a heat sink and an output window; and wherein themethod further comprises causing, by the controller, the DMD to direct aportion of the light onto the heat sink and a portion of the light ontothe output window effective to form an image on the output window.